Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho Rally Behind Vinicius Junior During Turbulent Stretch

The debate surrounding Vinícius Júnior shows no signs of cooling down, with the winger's display in the 3–2 victory against AEK Athens coming under the microscope once again.

It has now been seven matches since the Brazilian last contributed a goal or assist—a setup in the 4–1 triumph over Rayo Vallecano—and 11 since his sole goal of the 2026–27 campaign.

The 26-year-old featured from the start in Wednesday's Champions League fixture in Athens, but was substituted off with ten minutes remaining as Madrid chased a winner. Brahim Díaz, his replacement, went on to deliver the pass that set up Federico Valverde's decisive strike.

With each passing game that yields no goal or assist, the pressure continues to mount on the struggling forward, who has openly acknowledged he is dealing with a crisis of confidence.

Mourinho on 'Acceptable' Vinícius Jr

Speaking following Real Madrid's dramatic victory in Greece, Mourinho described his No. 7 as having "played an acceptable match" before being withdrawn late in the game.

Mourinho also addressed the suggestion from a journalist that Vinícius Jr's struggles had prompted summer recruit Yan Diomande to shift positions from the right wing to the left flank.

"Vinícius didn't cause anything," the manager responded. "Diomande came to Real Madrid more as a player capable of operating on either wing, rather than being limited to just one side.

"Diomande doesn't mind at all. He plays with different qualities, but whether he's on the right or left makes no difference to him.

Vinícius Jr vs. AEK Athens

* Statistics provided by FotMob

"Vini had a very acceptable match—not an extraordinary one, but the team as a whole didn't have an extraordinary match either. It was a tough, demanding game, and Vinícius, within that context, performed very well."

When pressed on whether he needed to use a "firm hand or a soft hand" in managing Vinícius Jr, Mourinho responded with his approach in percentage terms.

"I would say, trying to put a number on it, so far, 80% with the right (soft hand) and 20% with the left (firm hand)," he said.

Madrid Teammates Back Vinícius Jr to End 'Bad Luck'

Following the final whistle, Vinícius Jr received words of support from two of his Madrid teammates—club captain Valverde and fellow Brazilian Éder Militão.

Valverde told the media: "The important thing is that, even when things go wrong, he keeps pushing, keeps contributing. He brings that energy we all share to the team. He's in tune with what we're doing, and good things will come."

Militão added: "He's a lad who stays positive every single day. Things aren't going the way he wants right now, but he's someone who never stops putting in the work.

"I think everyone can see that he keeps trying and trying, and unfortunately the goals just aren't falling for him. But I think he's still making an impact; he's contributing a great deal.

"He's a hugely important player for us in this squad. I believe that, when the moment comes, he'll break free from this run of misfortune. He deserves so much, and I'm confident he'll come back stronger than ever."

Vinícius Jr is still suspended for Saturday's away fixture against Valencia in La Liga, as he serves out the final match of his four-game domestic suspension.